“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in
prayer.”
~Romans 12:12~
I had a friend once…someone I had never met in person, but
to whom I owe a debt of gratitude I can never repay. Her name was Wendy, and
because she was unable to get the proper care she needed for her medical conditions
(of which there were many, including Myasthenia Gravis), she passed away last
year in February. I’ve been thinking about her a lot lately. She was a member
of my online Myasthenia Gravis support group, and she was always available to
answer questions, no matter how many times someone asked. I have written about
her before, but I wanted to honor her again today because she is the example I
hold close to my heart as to how a chronically ill “warrior” should be…helpful,
honest, compassionate, a keeper of the keys to a wealth of information, with a generous
heart to share it all if it would bring awareness and aid, without a morsel of
impatience. Wendy made a difference in countless people’s lives, and this entry
is dedicated to her because, frankly, I want to be someone’s ‘Wendy’. In spite
of weakness and pain, despite being homebound and unable to get out, I want to encourage,
to uplift, to advocate and educate. I want to make a difference. Every time I
write in this blog, I pray that the words I put forth are words that are
meaningful and helpful…and hopefully, coherent! ;-)
I don’t really have any special updates about my conditions
(though I have seen multiple doctors over the past few weeks), but I do have a
couple of things I’d like to share about how God is moving in my life. I have
shared before about how lonely it gets when a person is homebound, constantly
fighting chronic illness and never knowing when things will unexpectedly turn
south. Sometimes, the days meld together and none of them seems good. Add to
that the fact that my husband has been working away from home, and…well…I’m
sure you can imagine how difficult and lonely the days can be.
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"Wonderstruck"
Photo Credit: Garlan Blundell
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A couple of months ago, some friends of mine devoted their
time and efforts to bringing a ladies’ retreat and Bible study to me. One
afternoon, while reminiscing of days long past when I was able to participate
in ladies’ ministries, I made a simple comment to one of my friends that I
would love to go on a retreat. She spoke with a couple of others, and these precious
friends put the wheels in motion (literally); before I knew it, they had come
to me…and I’m not talking about coming from down the street; I mean from one
part of the state to another! I cannot express how deeply this kind and loving
gesture touched me. I was truly humbled and blessed. The name of the study was “Wonderstruck”
by Margaret Feinberg, and that is exactly how I felt…wonderstruck, astounded at
the absolute assurance of God’s power and love, amazed that these women would reach
out to me in such a way. In spite of weakness and fatigue…even a subsequent
setback in my health status…the joy I felt during the entire experience was like
a spring bubbling up its life-giving water within a tormented heart that had
spent day after day as dry and lonely as miles and miles of desert sands. I
continue to be wonderstruck on a daily basis as I see God’s handiwork alive in
me.
My neighbor told my husband recently that she understands
that I have many bad days, but she wanted to actively pursue getting together
with me as I felt up to it. Ah, yet another “wonderstruck” moment in my life,
and a specific answer to prayer for companionship, friendship, and Christian
fellowship. She came over one morning, and before we knew it, 2 hours had
passed and I knew we would be good…no, great…friends. We talked about all kinds
of things…even touched on loneliness and isolation; I had the opportunity to
share my experiences with chronic illness with her, and how God has worked in
my life through it all. She asked if I would be interested in joining a Bible
study if she and her friend could put it together. In fact, she asked if it would
it be easier for me to have them come to me and have the study in my home! Once
again, amazement filled my very soul, and I said yes! Within minutes, she had
contacted her friend who would actually lead the study, dropped off the book,
and we planned for our 6 week study to begin that very next Friday. When I
started to read the first chapters of the book entitled “Uninvited” by Lysa Terkeurst,
I began to weep. It was exactly what I needed that day, what I need today, and
I feel certain will be exactly what I need over the next 6 weeks.  |
"So we can say with confidence,
'The Lord is my helper, so
I will have no fear...'
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God bless you, I love you…
Kathie Lea
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom;
teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” ~Colossians 3:16~
